William Kaib has become the first Kent State University student to complete the Delta Propel program and earn his wings as a Delta Airlines pilot!
Kaib, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, wanted to be a pilot long before stepping foot on Kent State’s campus. “Nobody in my family is a pilot or in the aviation industry at all but my grandfather used to fly model aircraft all the time and I loved watching him do that. Even during baseball games that I was playing in, I would stop and look up any time an airplane flew over.” Taking the first step towards this goal, he began studying Professional Pilot at Kent State in the fall of 2015.
While at Kent, Kaib participated in various student organizations including the American Association of Airport Executives and the Dodgeball Club, though “those two clubs couldn't hold a torch to the Kent State Flight Team.” Kaib competed with the team for 7 semesters, participating in Aircraft Recognition, Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation (SCAN), Preflight Inspection, Crew Resource Management, Ground Trainer, Certified Flight Instructor, Message Drop, Short Field landings, Power Off Landings, and Unlimited Navigation events. Kaib also served as the team’s Captain for two years.
After becoming a Certified Flight Instructor, Kaib spent nearly 3 years teaching at the University. Kaib says of this time, “The transition from student to instructor was a bit daunting but the resources provided for me at the airport and on campus made it a lot easier.” Serving in this capacity allowed Kaib to build his flight hours and move forward in the Propel program. In July 2021, Kaib began training at Republic Airways where he spent a year as a First Officer, and two months as a Captain. “When I was at Republic, I was able to wear a Kent State lanyard that had my crew ID on it. It was always so cool when I flew with a Captain or First Officer who knew Kent State and knew the quality of pilots that the school produces.”
After spending a year and a half with Republic Airways, Kaib was invited to begin training at Delta, and earned his Delta Wings in May 2023. Incredibly grateful for the opportunity, Kaib shares “To be given an offer to start flying for one of the world's best airlines at only 26 years old is almost unbelievable.” Kaib will complete his training with Delta Airlines in June 2023, and will begin flying as a Delta First Officer on Boeing 717 aircrafts in July.
Kaib also acknowledges all those who have played a role in his education and career advancement. “I showed up in the Fall of 2015 and didn't know anyone. By the time I left in June of 2021, I had made many friendships with my former instructors, fellow co-workers, and all of the faculty. They helped me every step of the way and I cannot say thank you enough.” To students currently enrolled or considering Kent State’s Aeronautics program, Kaib says to “work hard, have a good attitude, and go the extra mile. Come to the airport on weekends. Stay in the summer. Get to know the chiefs. The program is designed to allow everyone to succeed and graduate” and to “make sure you have fun along the way.”
Kent State University was one of three schools originally partnered with Delta Propel when the program began in 2019. Currently. Kent is one of only 20 schools in the country to participate in the program, which provides an accelerated pathway to the Delta flight deck for flight students and Certified Flight Instructors. Since its inception, 34 students from Kent State have begun the process of becoming a Delta Airlines pilot.
Delta Propel is just one of the pathways programs available to Kent State University aeronautics students. The College of Aeronautics and Engineering has also worked to partner with JetBlue’s Gateways program, United Airlines’ Aviate program, Southwest Airlines’ Destination 225° program,and most recently Allegiant’s Accelerate Pilot Pathway program.